Kirsten bids farewell with nostalgia

Coach of the World Cup-winning India team Gary Kirsten admits he is making a reluctant exit from his role. The former South Africa batsman had already announced that he would not be staying on when his contract expired at the end of the tournament. Many wanted him to remain in charge after the triumph and the 43-year-old said he turned down repeated requests from the Board of Control for Cricket in India to continue as coach.

But Kirsten has made it clear that he will be leaving, although he says that he found it extremely tough to walk away.

“Believe me when I say that this is one of the hardest of goodbyes that I ever had to say,” Kirsten said.

Kirsten was a surprise appointment in December 2007 but has led India to the world number one Test ranking as well as the World Cup crown.

“It’s been a remarkable journey over the last three years with Team India. This has been one of the most cherished experiences of my life,” he added.